Lucky Winner Of Spec Miata NASA Championship Could Receive $130,000

Anyone that knows racing, knows that racing is expensive. Better yet — anyone that knows performance cars, knows cars in general can get quite expensive.

But, if you know what your doing, the phrase “you have to spend money to make money,” may just come into play.

There is big money on the line for the Spec Miata class at COTA this season! With well over 90 entries already, the racing should be spectacular.

While its not cheap by any means, Spec Miata is one of the most affordable forms of racing one can get involved in. Late last year, NASA and Toyo Tires partnered up to offer what is going to be the largest prize package in Spec Miata championship history.

At next month’s event at the Circuit of the Americas, racers will have the chance to go home with up to $130,000 in cash. With the current number of entries, the grand prize is already at $75,000, but this number will only grow as the number of entries increase. Random draw and “hard charger” awards bring the possibility of hitting that 130 grand mark. Second place will pay up to 15 grand, and the payouts will go all the down to Fifth place in both the First and the Second race groups.

NASA Communications Director, Brett Becker explains, “This was sort of the brainchild of Marc Sanzenbacher, the motorsports manager for Toyo Tires. We got to 80 entries very quickly, and we’re in the 90s now. The number of cars we have registered will play a role in how we structure the race itself.”

These numbers are drawing the biggest names in the Spec Miata world, such as Alex Bolanos, Todd Buras, Marc Cefalo, Blake Clements, Jason Connole, Jim Drago, Chris Haldeman, Austin Newmark, Preston Pardus and Danny Steyn. “It’s going to be a dogfight at the front,” said Brett. “When you look at the names and past championships in NASA and SCCA, everybody who’s anybody in SM is going to be there. It should be one of the greatest races to watch.”

“…This event, with what’s up for grabs, who’s coming, the track … ‘epic’ is the word,” he said.

About the author

Jenna Schiebe

Jenna’s addiction to all things automotive began soon after she was introduced to the car scene at age 16. She has a special interest in imports but, at the end of the day, is a enthusiast that loves anything that goes fast.